"Teamwork a vital part of Agrilife Extension"

Of course it is Football season, and I enjoy going to high school and college football games. There is nothing that I enjoy more than attending my daughter's high school team sports games.

Those teams that have success are those that work together to achieve a common goal. Just as in sports, Extension works much like a team. Teamwork is a very important aspect of achieving our goal of serving the citizens of our counties in District 11. Much like football or basketball coaches try to direct their team to success, Extension has coaches in District ll , I would be the head coach, the RPD’s would be the offensive or defensive coordinators, and the specialists could be the position coaches. You could use the same concept in your counties with your office staff and as you work with volunteers. Here is a link that Jodi McManus District 11 4-H Specialist sent me, it is short but Powerful Video on Teamwork http://www.powerofteamworkmovie.com/

"Extension Education - Making a Difference" Initiative Documents

The formula for greater support from elected officials is excellent Extension programming, program visibility, and effective interpretation.Key components of the Interpretation Initiative include:

• Involvement of County Judge, County Commissioners, and Legislators in at least one “showcase” Extension activity or program. Conduct at least one formal interpretation event with the County Commissioners Court and Legislators.

• Prepare and distribute a “Extension Education - Making a Difference” document (annual report) to the County Commissioners Court, Legislators and other key decision makers and stakeholders.

• Form a District Marketing and Interpretation Committee to develop effective interpretation strategies.

• Host a District County Judges and Commissioners Conference, December 15th, 2009
  

This week you should get a email from me concerning our interpretation initiative, I will provide you a shell for your county interpretation piece. I will also provide you with a shell for your outcome summaries. These two interpretation documents need to be sent to me at the district office by December 15th.

District 11 Personnel News:
Last Thursday was a productive day in that we have identified several finalists for the agent vacant positions in Karnes and Colorado Counties, I am in the process of requesting authorization to hire the finalists. Today I will be in Matagorda County interviewing applicants for the vacant 4-H agent position with the assistance form Luis Saldana our 4-H Southern Regional Program Director.

County Swine Validations:
As many of you work with your local market swine validation committees to validate show pigs for this years show season, be aware of our publications to make exhibitors proactive in the recent events concerning the H1N1 virus.

“Biosecurity Practices for Swine Validation” and "Biosecurity Practices for Swine Shows and Exhibitions". Texas AgriLife Extension has taken a proactive approach to educating swine exhibitors and those associated with the swine project about proper biosecurity practices. These recommendations have been reviewed by veterinarians, animal scientists, and county Extension agents. These resources are meant to be shared with your county validation committee, livestock show committee members, 4-H leaders and exhibitors. These publications are available at the Extension bookstore.